Enhanced controller utilizing RFID technology

ABSTRACT

A radio frequency identification (RFID) component receives a data stream from at least one RFID tag. A controller can integrate and/or embed at least one of the following, 1) middleware that filters the data stream associated with the RFID component, 2) RFID software that provides RFID component software functionality, and 3) a smart component that connects to the RFID component.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The claimed subject matter is related to RFID technology, and morespecifically to RFID tags utilized within an industrial automationsystem.

BACKGROUND

An evolving technology that is rapidly gaining interest is RadioFrequency Identification (RFID), which leverages electronic data tomitigate data reading (e.g., scanning bar codes) and/or openingcontainers to obtain product information. RFID technology leverageselectronic data and wireless communications for identification purposes.With RFID systems, electronic data typically is stored within an RFIDtag, which can be formed from a small silicon chip and one or moreantennas and affixed to a product. Reading from and/or writing to anRFID tag can be achieved through radio frequency (RF) based wirelesscommunication via devices referred to as RFID readers. An RFID reader isa device that can be utilized to read and/or write RFID tag data,depending on read/write privileges.

In general, writing is utilized to add and/or modify product-specificinformation to an RFID tag, and reading is utilized to retrieve theinformation, for example, to provide for automatic productidentification. In many instances, the electronic data written to and/orread from an RFID tag includes an Electronic Product Code (EPC), as wellas other product-related data. The EPC, in general, is a unique numberthat is encoded (e.g., as a bit code) and embedded within the RFID tag(a small silicon chip with one or more antennas) affixed to anassociated product. Typical EPC data can include information about theassociated product (e.g., product type, date of manufacture, lot number,source data, destination data, unique product code, . . . ) and/orassociated pallets, boxes, cases and/or container levels, for example.

In today's highly sophisticated, complex and intelligent industrialautomation systems, RFID technology is becoming an increasinglyimportant presence for logistics concerns, material handling andinventory management. Simply knowing that an object exists in a largewarehouse is no longer sufficient. When implementing an RFID solution ina distribution center or a factory, it is customary to utilize threedistinct platforms: an RFID reader/antenna (e.g., a fixedimplementation), RFID “middleware” software running on a standard PC(Personal Computer), and an industrial controller (e.g., aPLC—Programmable Logic Controller). A traditional communicationsapproach is to have the RFID reader connect to the controller via anetwork using, for example, RS-232 serial communications, Ethernet, orany of the field buses such as DeviceNet, ControlNet, etc. Thus, dataread from the RFID tag can be utilized to provide a greater degree ofcertainty over what goes into a supply chain and how to manage rawmaterials, warehouse inventory, shipments, logistics, and/or variousother aspects of manufacturing.

In general, an RFID system can include multiple components: tags, tagreaders (e.g., tag transceivers), tag writers, tag-programming stations,circulation readers, sorting equipment, tag inventory wands, etc.Moreover, various makes, models, types, and/or applications can beassociated with respective components (e.g., tag, tag readers, tagprogramming stations, circulation readers, sorting equipment, taginventory wands, . . . ), which can complicate compatibility within theRFID system and automation systems. In view of the above, there is aneed to provide a uniform way to incorporate various makes, models,types, and/or applications into disparate automation system utilizingRFID technology.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in orderto provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. Itis intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimedsubject matter nor delineate the scope of the subject innovation. Itssole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matterin a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description thatis presented later.

The subject innovation relates to systems and/or methods that facilitateutilizing RFID technology with automation systems and/or applications.An RFID component can transfer a data stream from an RFID tag viawireless communication, wherein the RFID tag can include data associatedwith a particular object and/or item (not shown). The RFID tag can beeither an active RFID tag or a passive RFID tag. The RFID component canbe, but is not limited to, various components that read, write, receive,and/or store electronic product data, such as, readers, readers/writers,writers and/or servers, and can be a handheld device or a fixed-mountdevice depending on the particular application. A controller can utilizethe data stream associated with the RFID component. The controller cancontain software components and hardware components having inputs and/oroutputs that can be utilized in connection with automating an industrialmanufacturing device and/or process.

Moreover, the controller can integrate and/or embed middleware that canfilter the data stream associated with the RFID component, wherein suchfiltering can extract relevant information from such data. With theintegration of middleware into the controller, the controller canprovide a seamless implementation of a portion of a plurality ofdisparate RFID components. For instance, the controller with integratedmiddleware can provide at least one of human machine interfacing,programming, configuration, sharing of data streams, data streamregulation, and/or employment of at least one sensor associated with thecontroller. In addition, the middleware can provide clocksynchronization between at least the controller and the RFID component.

In accordance with one aspect of the claimed subject matter, thecontroller can integrate and/or embed RFID software to facilitateproviding software functionality to the RFID component. The RFIDsoftware can incorporate at least one of demodulation, decoding, and/orconversion of data streams into the controller. Moreover, byincorporating the RFID software into the controller, the RFID softwareis implemented in a more industrial hardened platform and/orenvironment.

In accordance with another aspect of the claimed subject matter, thecontroller can integrate a smart component that connects to an existingRFID component to provide enhanced functionality thereto. The smartcomponent can provide additional analog and/or digital inputs and/oroutputs. Moreover, the smart component can employ additionalcapabilities such as, but not limited to networking and locationdetermination. The smart component can be, for instance, a micro PLCand/or a controller that provides a common programming language betweenat least a portion of a plurality of disparate RFID components. In otheraspects of the claimed subject matter, methods are provided thatfacilitate utilizing RFID technology and a controller to provideefficient and/or optimized utilization of RFID components.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detailcertain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter. Theseaspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways inwhich the principles of the innovation may be employed and the claimedsubject matter is intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the claimed subjectmatter will become apparent from the following detailed description ofthe innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system thatfacilitates utilizing RFID technology with a controller.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system thatfacilitates implementing seamless integration of a plurality ofdisparate RFID components via a single controller.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system thatfacilitates enhancing an RFID component utilizing a controller.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system thatfacilitates integrating middleware with a controller to provide seamlessintegration with a plurality of disparate RFID components.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system thatfacilitates automatically providing RFID component functionality viasoftware to a plurality of disparate RFID components.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system thatfacilitates enhancing an RFID component with a controller.

FIG. 7 illustrates an application of an RFID system in accordance withat least one aspect of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an RFID system having a pluralityof stations that interact with a plurality of objects having respectiveRFID tags.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system thatfacilitates utilizing RFID technology with a controller.

FIG. 10 illustrates a methodology for integrating middleware into acontroller to provide efficient filtering of a data stream.

FIG. 11 illustrates a methodology that facilitates integrating RFIDsoftware into a controller.

FIG. 12 illustrates a methodology for connecting a smart device to anexisting RFID component.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to executethe disclosed architecture.

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computingenvironment in accordance with the claimed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As utilized herein, terms “component,” “system,” “interface,” and thelike are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, eitherhardware, software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, acomponent can be a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a program, and/or a computer. By way ofillustration, both an application running on a server and the server canbe a component. One or more components can reside within a process and acomponent can be localized on one computer and/or distributed betweentwo or more computers.

The claimed subject matter is described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however,that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shownin block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subjectinnovation.

Now turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 thatfacilitates utilizing RFID technology with a controller. An RFIDcomponent 104 can transfer a data stream from an RFID tag 102 viawireless communication, wherein the RFID tag 102 can include dataassociated with a particular object and/or item (not shown). Moreover,the RFID tag 102 can be either an active RFID tag or a passive RFID tag.The RFID component 104 can be, but is not limited to, various componentsthat read, write, receive, and/or store electronic product data, suchas, readers, readers/writers, writers and/or servers, and can be ahandheld device or a fixed-mount device depending on the particularapplication. A controller 106 can utilize the data stream associatedwith the RFID component 104. The controller 106 can contain softwarecomponents and hardware components having inputs and/or outputs that canbe utilized in connection with automating an industrial manufacturingdevice and/or process.

Furthermore, the controller 106 can include integrated middleware 108that eliminates any need for a computer and/or personal computer (PC) tohost any suitable middleware software associated with the RFID component104. By integrating the middleware 108 into the controller 106 providesan efficient, inexpensive, and industrial hardened solution incomparison with conventional techniques. The middleware 108 can filterthe data stream associated with the RFID component 104, wherein suchfiltering can extract relevant information from such data. Themiddleware 108 can further provide the efficient implementation of theRFID component 104 based at least in part upon information included withthe controller 106. In addition, the middleware 108 can orchestrate thesharing of information from multiple RFID components related to aplurality of RFID tags. For instance, the middleware 108 can provide anysuitable format to data streams associated with disparate RFIDcomponents 104. Thus, based at least in part upon the controller 106having integrated middleware 108, disparate RFID components 104regardless of brand, type, make, etc. can seamlessly be utilized by suchcontroller 106 and middleware 108.

For instance, the middleware 108 can be software that filters a datastream from an RFID reader, wherein such middleware 108 is integratedinto the controller 106 to provide at least one of the elimination of aseparate computer to host such software; and the accessibility tovarious information from the controller 106 such as the location of thereader (e.g., factory, warehouse, . . . ). In one example, thecontroller 106 can utilize various sensors, wherein cases (having RFIDtags) on a conveyor belt can be located utilizing one of the sensors.The sensor data can indicate the location of particular case on theconveyor belt and such information (contained in the controller 106) cancontribute to the middleware 108 filtering of the data streams. Byutilizing the information related to the controller 106 in conjunctionwith the integrated middleware 108, the RFID component 104 can beeffectively and/or efficiently implemented to receive data streams fromRFID tags.

In another example, the controller 106 can integrate RFID software thatcan provide software functionality to the RFID component 104 (discussedin more detail infra). The software functionality can includedemodulating functions, decoding functions, conversion functionsassociated with the data stream collected by the RFID component 104.Moreover, the controller 106 can include a smart component (not shown)that connects to the RFID component 104 to provide enhancedfunctionality including, for instance, various inputs, outputs,programming language, network capabilities, location information, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 that facilitates implementing seamlessintegration of a plurality of disparate RFID components via a singlecontroller. An RFID tag 202 can include data, wherein an RFID component204 can receive the data stream via wireless communication. The datastream can be utilized by a controller 206, wherein the controller 206integrates middleware 208. The middleware 208 within the controller 206provides 1) the elimination of a separate computer to host middlewarethat filters data and extracts relevant information from the datastream; and 2) contributes to the filtering of the data stream utilizinginformation associated with the system 200. It is to be appreciated thatthe RFID tag 202, RFID component 204, controller 206, and middleware 208can be substantially similar to the RFID tag 102, RFID component 104,controller 106, and middleware 108 of FIG. 1 respectively.

For example, the controller 206 with integrated middleware 208 optimizesthe utilization of any RFID component 204 that receives a data streamfrom the RFID tag 202. The middleware 208 can provide various filteringtechniques and/or software that allow the data streams to be cleansed(e.g., extracting relevant information from the data stream). Moreover,with the integration of the middleware 208 into the controller 206, theinformation included with the controller 206 can be utilized todetermine collection of data streams from the RFID component 204. It isto be appreciated that the integration of the middleware 208 into thecontroller 206 can further provide configuration, visualization, and/orinformation sharing for a plurality of disparate RFID components.

The controller 206 can further include RFID software 210 that canfacilitate enhancing the functionality of the RFID component 204. TheRFID software 210 within the controller 206 can include demodulation,decoding, conversion techniques suitable to be employed on the datastream associated with the RFID component 204. Moreover, theimplementation of the RFID software 210 in the controller 206 canprovide an industrial hardened platform. By integrating the RFIDsoftware 210 into the controller 206, there is a reduction in additionalphysical infrastructure on a plant and/or warehouse floor.

For example, a plurality of RFID readers can be located on a plantfloor, wherein conventionally the individual RFID readers wouldrespectively be responsible for demodulating, decoding, and/orconverting the data stream received which can be inefficient. Yet, thecontroller 206 with the integrated RFID software 210 alleviates thisproblem by pulling the software fimctionality from the RFID readers intothe controller 206 which is considered an industrially hardenedplatform. Thus, the plant floor infrastructure can be reduced andimproved based at least in part upon the consolidation of the RFIDsoftware 210 into the controller 206.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 that facilitates enhancing an RFIDcomponent utilizing a controller. An RFID component 304 can interact viawireless communication with an RFID tag 302, wherein the RFID component304 can receive a data stream associated therewith. The RFID component304 can further utilize an interface 306 to provide the data stream to acontroller 308. The controller 308 can integrate middleware 310 thatprovides at least the filtering of the data stream associated with theRFID component 304. Furthermore, the controller can include integratedRFID software 312 that can invoke software functionality for any RFIDcomponent 304 regardless of make, model, brand, etc. It is to beappreciated that the RFID tag 302, RFID component 304, controller 308,middleware 310, and RFID software 312 can be substantially similar tocomponents, tags, controllers, middleware, and RFID software describedin previous figures.

Moreover, the system 300 can include any suitable and/or necessaryinterface component 306, which provides various adapters, connectors,channels, communication paths, etc. to integrate the RFID component 304into virtually any operating and/or database system(s). In addition, theinterface component 306 can provide various adapters, connectors,channels, communication paths, etc., that provide for interaction withthe RFID component 304, the controller 308, and any components and/ordata associated therewith.

The controller 308 further includes a smart component 314 that canconnect to the RFID component 304 to provide enhanced functionality.Although the smart component 314 is depicted as an internal component inrelation to the controller 308, it is to be appreciated that the smartcomponent 314 can be incorporated into the controller 308, a stand-alonecomponent, a combination thereof, and/or the controller 308. In otherwords, the smart component 314 can be a controller substantially similarto the controller 308 in order to provide the described enhancedfunctionality.

The smart component 314 can connect to the RFID component 304, whereinconfiguration and/or user information can be received. The smartcomponent 314 can connect to the RFID component 304 utilizing, forinstance, an existing interface. Moreover, the smart component 314 canprovide programmability, inputs, outputs, networking capabilities,location capabilities, program languages, etc. It is to be appreciatedthat the smart component 314 can provide an enhanced and/or increasedfunctionality in regards to the RFID component 304 before connection ofsuch smart component 314.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 that facilitates integrating middlewarewith a controller to provide seamless integration with a plurality ofdisparate RFID components. RFID tags 402, 404, and 406 can relate to aspecific good, article, object, item, pallet, box, etc. and communicatevia wireless communication to at least one of the RFID components 408,410, and 412. It is to be appreciated that various brands, makes, and/ormodels of RFID tags 402, 404, and 406 and RFID components 408, 410, and412 exist and any suitable RFID tag and RFID component can be utilizedin accordance with the claimed subject matter. For instance, RFID tag402 can be an active RFID tag, while RFID tag 404 and 406 can be passiveRFID tags. Moreover, the RFID component 408 can be a reader of brand X,while RFID component 410 is a reader/writer of brand Z and RFIDcomponent 412 is a writer of brand Y.

A controller 414 can receive data streams associated with the RFIDcomponents 408, 410, and 412. It is to be appreciated and understoodthat the controller 414 can contain software components and hardwarecomponents having inputs and/or outputs that can be utilized inconnection with automating an industrial manufacturing device and/orprocess. The controller 414 can be common to a plurality of RFIDcomponents (408, 410, and 412) in various locations. Moreover, thecontroller 414 can integrate middleware 416 to provide at least 1) theelimination of a designated host for middleware software associated withthe RFID components 408, 410, and 412; and 2) the controller 414 tocontribute to the filtering of the data streams. The middleware 416 canorchestrate the sharing of information among a plurality of RFIDcomponents 408, 410, and 412. For instance, the middleware 416 cancompare signal strengths associated with various RFID readers when oneobject is within range of such RFID readers.

The middleware 414 can include a filter master 418 that can interfacewith a plurality of disparate RFID components 408, 410, and 412.Although three RFID components are depicted in FIG. 4, it is to beunderstood that any number of RFID components can be utilized inaccordance with the subject innovation. The filter master 418 canprovide common filtering software adapted to disparate RFID components408, 410, and 412. The filter master 418 can utilize various filteringtechniques and/or any suitable filtering mechanisms in conjunction withthe RFID components 408, 410, and 412.

The middleware 416 can further include a configure component 420 thatcan provide configuration of the plurality of disparate RFID components408, 410, and 412. The configure component 420 can be any suitableconfiguration associated with implementing RFID components over, forexample, a network such as Ethernet to the controller 414. For instance,the configure component 420 can provide a universal programming forvarious RFID components in various locations. Moreover, the configurecomponent 420 can facilitate integrating RFID components into thecontroller 414 with middleware 416 by providing at least one ofconfiguration, programming, and human machine interface (HMI). In otherwords, the configure component 420 can provide a universal configurationand visualization environment to set up RFID components 408, 410, and412 connected to the controller 414.

The controller 414 with integrated middleware 416 can also include adata flow manager 422. The data flow manager 422 can monitor and/orprovide limitations in relation to the number of bytes sent from atleast one RFID component in a transaction. For instance, the bytes ofdata can be from tag by tag, an array, etc. In another example, the RFIDcomponent can be informed that controller data (e.g., data streamsassociated with a particular RFID component or a portion of RFIDcomponents) is available, wherein the data flow manager 422 can specifythe size of packets that it is to receive.

The middleware 416 can include controller software 424 that enables thecontroller 414 to interact with the system 400. The controller softwarecan be utilized to infer the type of package, object, and/or itemassociated with an RFID tag that communicated with the RFID components408, 410, and 412. For example, the controller 414 can receive data froma plurality of sensors 428, wherein there can be 1 to N sensors, with Nbeing an integer greater than or equal to 1. The controller software 424can be implemented to interact with the filter master 418 to enhance thefiltering of the data streams. For instance, when communicating with themiddleware 416 for collecting RFID tag data, the controller 414 canutilize a data buffer to accommodate multi-byte, asynchronous datatransfer with the middleware 416.

In one example, the plurality of sensors 428 can be connected to thecontroller 414 to provide the controller 414 information associated witha package, item, object (e.g., any object associated with an RFID tag)location in relation to an RFID component. The controller 414 can thenactivate and/or de-activate RFID components based at least in part uponthe plurality of sensors 428 and respective data. In other words, byutilizing the controller 414 and related sensors 428, the amount oferroneous and/or unnecessary data reads from the RFID components 408,410, and 412 is minimized.

The controller 414 with integrated middleware 416 can further include aclock sync component 426 that invokes clock synchronization between anycomponents associated with the system 400. In particular, the clock synccomponent 426 can synchronize the clock associated with the controller414 with the clock associated with the RFID components 408, 410, and412. By synchronizing the clocks within the system 400, completesynchronization is enabled to facilitate tracking, diagnostics,efficiency, etc. Moreover, the RFID components can share real-time datasuch as signal strengths, time stamps, etc.

The following example is one illustration on the possible implementationof the claimed subject matter. It is to be appreciated that thefollowing is an example, and the subject innovation is not to be solimited. The middleware 416 can be hosted in a plug-in module in thecontroller 414 backplane. In another instance, the middleware canutilize an open socket associated with a network (e.g., Ethernet, . . .). The module can provide an Ethernet interface to the RFID componentand a computing engine for the middleware 416. The controller 414 cancommunicate over the backplane, dedicated network, and/or the opensocket with the middleware 416 to enhance the filtering capability withinformation about the tagged object.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500 that facilitates automatically providingRFID component functionality via software to a plurality of disparateRFID components. A plurality of RFID tags 502 can transfer data streamsvia wireless communication to a plurality of RFID components 504. Therecan be 1 to N RFID tags, where N is an integer greater or equal to 1.Similarly, there can be 1 to M RFID components, where M is an integergreater or equal to 1. The data streams associated with the RFIDcomponents 504 can be received by a controller 506 that includesintegrated RFID software 508. It is to be appreciated that thecontroller 506 and the RFID software 508 can be substantially similar tothe controller and RFID software previously described above.

The RFID software 508 can include hardware reader functions embodiedinto the controller as, for instance, code. The RFID software 508 canprovide software functionality that conventionally exists inside atleast one RFID component, wherein such software functionality can bepulled into the controller 506 to enable an industrially hardenedplatform. By integrating the RFID software 508 into the controller 506,infrastructure can be reduced, RFID component collisions (e.g., reads,writes, reads/writes, . . . ) and tag collisions are reduced. Moreover,the RFID software 508 enables an aggregate and/or distributed control ofthe plurality of RFID components 504 utilizing a single interface.

Additionally, the RFID software 508 can include at least one of ademodulate component 510 and a decode component 512. The demodulatecomponent 510 can provide various demodulation techniques that can beimplemented with the system 500 and/or data streams associated with theplurality of RFID components 504. The decode component 512 can providevarious decoding techniques that can be utilized in association with thedata streams related to the plurality of RFID tags 502. It is to beappreciated that the demodulate component 510 and/or the decodecomponent 512 can provide any suitable conversion technique associatedwith analog signal to binary information and vice-versa.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system 600 that facilitates enhancing an RFIDcomponent with a controller. An RFID tag 602 can communicate throughwireless communication to an RFID component 604, wherein such dataassociated therewith can be received to a controller 606. The controller606 can integrate a smart component 608 that can connect to the RFIDcomponent 604 to provide enhanced functionality. The smart component 608can further provide a universal programming for the RFID component 604utilizing, for instance, a common programming language. In one example,the smart component 608 can communicate via a serial port, an opensocket associated with an Ethernet port, and/or an Ethernet port. Forinstance, the smart component 606 and/or controller 606 can open anEthernet port to access the data stream associated with the RFIDcomponent 604. In addition, the smart component 608 can provideuniversal connection to a plurality of disparate RFID componentsregardless of the communication protocol utilized by the particular RFIDcomponent 604.

The smart component 608 can further enhance the RFID component 604 byproviding at least one additional output 610 and/or additional input612. For instance, the smart component 608 can provide digital and/oranalog inputs and/or outputs. Such input 612 and/or output 610 can beutilized with an application to trigger or set points of externaldevices such as, for instance, tower lights, etc. An analog input 612and/or an analog output 610 can be utilized to change the RFID component604 configuration (e.g., antenna reading strength, . . . ). Furthermore,the smart component 608 can provide a location component 614 that canadd location information to the system 600 by utilizing, for instance,any location sensor (e.g., global positioning system (GPS), . . . ).Additionally, the smart component 608 can provide a network component616 that provides additional networking capabilities to the user suchas, but not limited to, Ethernet/IP, Modbus/TCP, ProfiNet, etc.

The following example is one illustration on the possible implementationof the claimed subject matter. It is to be appreciated that thefollowing is an example, and the subject innovation is not to be solimited. The smart component 608 can connect to an existing RFIDcomponent 604 utilizing the serial, open socket, and/or Ethernet port tocommunicate with the RFID component's micro processor. The RFIDcomponent 604 can be configured and receive user informationaccordingly. The communication protocol employed over the connection tothe RFID component 604 can be previously defined by, for example, theRFID component manufacturer. By utilizing the smart component 608 toconnect to an existing RFID component 604, the combination can bereferred to as a micro controller and/or PLC that provides a commonprogramming language.

FIG. 7 illustrates an application of an RFID system 700 in accordancewith at least one aspect of the claimed subject matter. While FIG. 7illustrates products being moved by a conveyor belt system 702, it willbe appreciated that the claimed subject matter works equally well inother applications such as a forklifts, trucks, line, manual movement ofgoods, etc. A plurality of RFID R/W devices (a first reader 704, and asecond reader 706) are employed to detect the presence of a plurality ofRFID tags. While the RFID devices (704 and 706) are shown as overheaddevices, it should be understood that the devices can be locatedanywhere, provided the range of coverage is appropriate for theparticular purpose. For example, the devices (704 and 706) can beunderneath, on the side and or in various locations throughout theenvironment. Each of the RFID R/W devices (704 and 706) transmitsrespective signals (710 and 712) that can be constant, intermittent, orperiodically transmitted, such as when activated by a sensor device.

As a pallet of products 708 is moved (e.g., by a conveyor belt system702 or other suitable means), the products move within the read range ofthe second RFID R/W reader 706. RFID tags associated with respectiveproducts, a few of which are illustrated at 714, are activated by thecorresponding emitted signal 712, and respond via respective returnsignals 716 communicated to the second RFID R/W device 706. As theconveyor belt system 702 and associated pallet of products 708 movethough the environment, the products enter the range of the first RFIDR/W device 704, and the associated return signals will be transmitted ina similar manner. As the pallet of products 708 is moving, the RFID tagsare constantly activated (for passive devices) and providing informationconcerning at least one parameter associated with the RFID R/W device(e.g., signal strength, origin, . . . ) and/or operating conditions.

A controller can be utilized such that the integration of at least oneof middleware that filters the data stream associated with the RFIDcomponent; RFID software that provides RFID component softwarefluctionality; and a smart device that connects to the RFID componentcan provide a universal controller adapted to any RFID componentregardless of make, model, and/or brand. For instance, the controllerwith integrated middleware can eliminate a separate computer and/or PCfor the filtering software and allow the controller and variousinformation associated therewith (e.g., sensor information, . . . ) tocontribute to filtering of such data streams received from the device704 and 706. Moreover, the controller can integrate RFID software thatcan pull demodulating and/or decoding techniques into the controllerrather than in the devices 704 and 706. The controller can also utilizea smart component to enhance the ability of the devices 704 and 706.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an RFID system 800 having aplurality of stations that interact with a plurality of objects havingrespective RFID tags. When an RFID component 802 (e.g., an RFID reader)reads RFID tags, a read signal is broadcast from the RFID component 802that energizes and/or causes to be received RFID tag data from all tagsin a given range thereof. Thus, the RFID component 802 can receive datafrom a large number of tags for which data is not desired. Not only doesthis impose additional processing requirements on the RFID component802, but it can also negatively impact network bandwidth between theRFID component 802 and a remote system.

The system can also include a network 810 on which is disposed acontroller 814 that can integrate at least one of middleware 804, RFIDsoftware 806, and/or a smart component 808. It is to be appreciated thatthe controller 814, middleware 804, RFID software 806, and smartcomponent 808 can be substantially similar to components and/or elementsdescribed in previous figures. Moreover, the controller 814 (e.g., aPLC) can also be disposed on the network 810 in control of an automatedprocess such as moving product down an assembly line. The controller 814can utilize a data store 812 to store any suitable information and/ordata associated with the system 800. A transceiver 816 provides wirelessnetwork communications between the network 810 and the RFID component802 such that location data and tag data can be communicated to thecontroller 814.

Illustrated are objects 818 (denoted OBJECT₁, OBJECT₂, and OBJECT₃) andassociated RFID tags (denoted RFID TAG₁, RFID TAG₂, and RFID TAG₃) inrespective stations (STATION A, STATION B, AND STATION C). The userdesires to read a tag 820 of a first object 822 in station A, yetreceives in addition thereto data from a second tag 824 of a secondobject 826 in station B and a third tag 828 of a third object 830 in astation C. The location system 806 can facilitate the determination oflocation data of the reader 802 such that in this example, the user isdetermined to be closer to station A.

It can already be known from prior tag scans and/or user inputinformation, for example, that the first object 822 is associated withstation A, the second object 826 is associated with station B, and thethird object 830 is associated with station C. Accordingly, any othertag data received by the reader 802 indicating that the tag (824 and828) is associated with an object that is not in station A can befiltered without further processing. Similarly, as the user moves themobile reader that contains the RFID component 802 closer to station B,the tag data that is received from object tags in station A and stationC can be filtered out from further consideration.

FIG. 9 illustrates a system 900 that facilitates utilizing RFIDtechnology with a controller. The system 900 can employ intelligence tofacilitate utilizing a controller 902 with RFID technology to enhanceRFID component functionality and controller functionality. Thecontroller 902 can be integrated and/or embedded with integratedmiddleware 904, RFID software 906, and/or a smart component 908. Thesystem 900 can include the controller 902 with integrated middleware904, RFID software 906, and/or a smart component 908, an RFID tag 910,an RFID component 912, and an interface 914 that can all besubstantially similar to respective components, middleware, software,controllers, and tags described in previous figures. The system 900further includes an intelligent component 916. The intelligent component916 can be utilized by the controller 902 to facilitate implementationof the RFID tag data within an automation system and/or process. Forexample, the intelligent component 916 can infer the operation and/ormechanisms to be instantiated upon an object associated with the RFIDtag 910, filtering signals, location, etc.

It is to be understood that the intelligent component 916 can providefor reasoning about or infer states of the system, environment, and/oruser from a set of observations as captured via events and/or data.Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action, orcan generate a probability distribution over states, for example. Theinference can be probabilistic—that is, the computation of a probabilitydistribution over states of interest based on a consideration of dataand events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed forcomposing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Suchinference results in the construction of new events or actions from aset of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not theevents are correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether theevents and data come from one or several event and data sources. Variousclassification (explicitly and/or implicitly trained) schemes and/orsystems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks, expert systems,Bayesian belief networks, fuizzy logic, data fusion engines . . . ) canbe employed in connection with performing automatic and/or inferredaction in connection with the claimed subject matter.

A classifier is a function that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1,x2, x3, x4, xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, thatis, f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification can employ aprobabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring intothe analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer an action that auser desires to be automatically performed. A support vector machine(SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVMoperates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs,which hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachesinclude, e.g., naive Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

A presentation component 918 can provide various types of userinterfaces to facilitate interaction between a user and any componentassociated with the system 900. As depicted, the presentation component918 is a separate entity that can be utilized with the controller 902.However, it is to be appreciated that the presentation component 918and/or similar view components can be incorporated into the controller902 and/or a stand-alone unit. The presentation component 918 canprovide one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs), command lineinterfaces, and the like. For example, a GUI can be rendered thatprovides a user with a region or means to load, import, read, etc.,data, and can include a region to present the results of such. Theseregions can comprise known text and/or graphic regions comprisingdialogue boxes, static controls, drop-down-menus, list boxes, pop-upmenus, as edit controls, combo boxes, radio buttons, check boxes, pushbuttons, and graphic boxes. In addition, utilities to facilitate thepresentation such vertical and/or horizontal scroll bars for navigationand toolbar buttons to determine whether a region will be viewable canbe employed. For example, the user can interact with one or more of thecomponents coupled to the controller 902.

The user can also interact with the regions to select and provideinformation via various devices such as a mouse, a roller ball, akeypad, a keyboard, a pen and/or voice activation, for example.Typically, a mechanism such as a push button or the enter key on thekeyboard can be employed subsequent entering the information in order toinitiate the search. However, it is to be appreciated that the claimedsubject matter is not so limited. For example, merely highlighting acheck box can initiate information conveyance. In another example, acommand line interface can be employed. For example, the command lineinterface can prompt (e.g., via a text message on a display and an audiotone) the user for information via providing a text message. The usercan than provide suitable information, such as alpha-numeric inputcorresponding to an option provided in the interface prompt or an answerto a question posed in the prompt. It is to be appreciated that thecommand line interface can be employed in connection with a GUI and/orAPI. In addition, the command line interface can be employed inconnection with hardware (e.g., video cards) and/or displays (e.g.,black and white, and EGA) with limited graphic support, and/or lowbandwidth communication channels.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate methodologies in accordance with the claimedsubject matter. For simplicity of explanation, the methodologies aredepicted and described as a series of acts. It is to be understood andappreciated that the subject innovation is not limited by the actsillustrated and/or by the order of acts, for example acts can occur invarious orders and/or concurrently, and with other acts not presentedand described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts may berequired to implement the methodologies in accordance with the claimedsubject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understandand appreciate that the methodologies could alternatively be representedas a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

FIG. 10 illustrates a methodology 1000 for integrating middleware into acontroller to provide efficient filtering of a data stream. At referencenumeral 1002, an RFID tag can be associated with an object, item, box,pallet, good, any suitable entity related to an automation processand/or object. In addition, the RFID tag can be related to a portion ofthe objects, items, boxes, etc. The RFID tag can transfer data viawireless communications to at least one RFID component. Moreover, theRFID tag can be either an active RFID tag or a passive RFID tag. TheRFID component can be, but is not limited to, various components thatread, write, receive, and/or store electronic product data, such as,readers, readers/writers, writers and/or servers, and can be a handhelddevice or a fixed-mount device depending on the particular application.At reference numeral 1004, a data stream related to at least one RFIDtag is received by the RFID component. It is to be appreciated that thedata stream can be specific to a particular RFID tag, and/or a pluralityof data streams can be received from a plurality of RFID tags.

At reference numeral 1006, a controller with integrated middleware canbe utilized to filter the data stream received. It is to be appreciatedthat the controller can contain software components and hardwarecomponents having inputs and/or outputs that can be utilized inconnection with automating an industrial manufacturing device and/orprocess. By integrating the middleware associated with the RFIDcomponents, the controller can be efficient by eliminating the need fora separate computer to host the middleware and by allowing thecontroller to contribute to filtering by utilizing at least a portion ofdata from the controller and/or sensors associated therewith. In otherwords, the controller can have integrated filtering software that canfilter the data streams associated with the RFID components to providean efficient and enhanced controller for automation systems and/orprocesses.

The integration of middleware into the controller can provide improvedfunctionality. For instance, the following can be provided by thecontroller with integrated middleware: 1) sharing of information fromdisparate RFID components; 2) seamless configuration through a singlecontroller for disparate RFID components; 3) utilization of sensor datarelated to object and/or item location to optimize implementation ofRFID components; 4) monitoring and/or managing data stream size receiptto the controller; 5) common HMI environment; and 6) clocksynchronization to provide controller, system, and RFID componentsynchronization.

FIG. 11 illustrates a methodology 1100 that facilitates integrating RFIDsoftware into a controller. At reference numeral 1102, a data streamrelated to an RFID tag can be received by a controller via an RFIDcomponent. The RFID tag can be associated with an object and/or iteminvolved with an automation process and/or application. The RFID tag canbe either an active RFID tag or a passive RFID tag. Additionally, theRFID component can be, but is not limited to, various components thatread, write, receive, and/or store electronic product data, such as,readers, readers/writers, writers and/or servers, and can be a handhelddevice or a fixed-mount device depending on the particular application.

At reference numeral 1104, RFID software can be integrated and/orembedded into a controller. The controller can contain softwarecomponents and hardware components having inputs and/or outputs that canbe utilized in connection with automating an industrial manufacturingdevice and/or process. Any software functionality that typically existsin an RFID component can be embedded into the controller. The RFIDsoftware can relate to, but is not limited to, demodulating, decoding,converting (e.g., analog signal to binary information and vice-versa).At reference numeral 1106, the controller with embedded RFID software isutilized. By integrating the RFID software into the controller, thecontroller plus RFID software is a more industrially hardened platform.Furthermore, such integration reduces the need for additionalinfrastructure on a plant and/or warehouse floor, addresses readcollision problems, tag collision problems, and enables aggregate and/ordistributed control of RFID components within the system via a singleinterface.

FIG. 12 illustrates a methodology 1200 for connecting a smart device toan existing RFID component. At reference numeral 1202, a smart devicecan be connected to an existing RFID component. The RFID component canbe, but is not limited to, various components that read, write, receive,and/or store electronic product data, such as, readers, readers/writers,writers and/or servers, and can be a handheld device or a fixed-mountdevice depending on the particular application. The smart device can be,but is not limited to, a micro PLC, a controller, any suitable devicethat provides a common programming language to a user. The smart devicecan connect to the existing RFID component by utilizing any pre-existinginterface such as a serial port, an Ethernet port, etc.

At reference numeral 1204, the functionality of the existing RFIDcomponent is enhanced and/or improved. For instance, the smart devicecan provide additional inputs, outputs, wherein the inputs and/oroutputs can be at least one of digital and analog. Furthermore, thesmart device can allow additional sensors to be utilized with the RFIDcomponent, such that location information can be employed. Additionally,the smart device can provide additional networking capabilities. Atreference numeral 1206, the smart device coupled with the existing RFIDcomponent can be utilized to receive at least one data stream associatedwith an RFID tag.

In order to provide additional context for implementing various aspectsof the claimed subject matter, FIGS. 13-14 and the following discussionis intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment in which the various aspects of the subjectinnovation may be implemented. While the claimed subject matter has beendescribed above in the general context of computer-executableinstructions of a computer program that runs on a local computer and/orremote computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that thesubject innovation also may be implemented in combination with otherprogram modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs,components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks and/orimplement particular abstract data types.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventivemethods may be practiced with other computer system configurations,including single-processor or multi-processor computer systems,minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers,hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based and/or programmableconsumer electronics, and the like, each of which may operativelycommunicate with one or more associated devices. The illustrated aspectsof the claimed subject matter may also be practiced in distributedcomputing environments where certain tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices that are linked through a communications network.However, some, if not all, aspects of the subject innovation may bepracticed on stand-alone computers. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in local and/or remotememory storage devices.

A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatileand non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalvideo disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

With reference again to FIG. 13, the exemplary environment 1300 forimplementing various aspects of the invention includes a computer 1302,the computer 1302 including a processing unit 1304, a system memory 1306and a system bus 1308. The system bus 1308 couples system componentsincluding, but not limited to, the system memory 1306 to the processingunit 1304. The processing unit 1304 can be any of various commerciallyavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processorarchitectures may also be employed as the processing unit 1304.

The system bus 1308 can be any of several types of bus structure thatmay further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1306includes read-only memory (ROM) 1310 and random access memory (RAM)1312. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1310 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1302, such as during start-up. The RAM 1312 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1302 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1314 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1314 may also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1316, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1318) and an optical disk drive 1320, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1322 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1314, magnetic diskdrive 1316, and optical disk drive 1320 can be connected to the systembus 1308 by a hard disk drive interface 1324, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1326 and an optical drive interface 1328, respectively. Theinterface 1324 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject invention.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1302, the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zipdrives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media may contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the invention.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1312,including an operating system 1330, one or more application programs1332, other program modules 1334, and program data 1336. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1312. It is appreciated that the invention can beimplemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1302 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1338 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1340. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1304 through an input deviceinterface 1342 that is coupled to the system bus 1308, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1344 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1308 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1346. Inaddition to the monitor 1344, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1302 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1348. The remotecomputer(s) 1348 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device, or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1302, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1350 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted includewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1352 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1354. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich may connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1302 isconnected to the local network 1352 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1356. The adaptor 1356 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1352, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adaptor 1356.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1302 can includea modem 1358, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1354, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1354, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1358, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1308 via the serial port interface 1342. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1302, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1350. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1302 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b,g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. AWi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to theInternet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet).Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, atan 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, orwith products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a schematic block diagramof an exemplary computing environment 1400 in accordance with thesubject invention. The system 1400 includes one or more client(s) 1402.The client(s) 1402 can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads,processes, computing devices). The client(s) 1402 can house cookie(s)and/or associated contextual information by employing the invention, forexample.

The system 1400 also includes one or more server(s) 1404. The server(s)1404 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes,computing devices). The servers 1404 can house threads to performtransformations by employing the invention, for example. One possiblecommunication between a client 1402 and a server 1404 can be in the formof a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or more computerprocesses. The data packet may include a cookie and/or associatedcontextual information, for example. The system 1400 includes acommunication framework 1406 (e.g., a global communication network suchas the Internet) that can be employed to facilitate communicationsbetween the client(s) 1402 and the server(s) 1404.

Communications can be facilitated via a wired (including optical fiber)and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 1402 are operatively connectedto one or more client data store(s) 1408 that can be employed to storeinformation local to the client(s) 1402 (e.g., cookie(s) and/orassociated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s) 1404 areoperatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 1410 that canbe employed to store information local to the servers 1404.

The framework 1406 can also include a subnetwork 1412, for example, thatcan be implemented as in an assembly line environment. The subnetwork1412 can have disposed thereon as nodes, a controller 1414 (e.g., a PLC)that controls a reader module 1416 and a reader/writer module 1418 bothof which can read RFID tags, and the latter of which can write data tothe RFID tags. The controller 1414, reader module 1416 and reader/writermodule 1418 can be provided in a rack configuration at selectedlocations. Alternatively or in combination therewith, the subnetwork1412 can also include a second reader module 1420 as a wired or wirelessnode (or client) that is positioned (fixed or mobile) to read RFD tags,as needed. Similarly, the subnetwork 1412 can also support areader/writer module 1422 as a wired and/or wireless client node forreading and writing data and signals to RIFD tags that come within acoverage area.

In addition, while a particular feature of the subject innovation mayhave been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations,such feature may be combined with one or more other features of theother implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any givenor particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms“includes,” and “including” and variants thereof are used in either thedetailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

1. A system that facilitates utilizing radio frequency identification (RFID), comprising: an RFID component that receives a data stream from at least one RFID tag; and a controller that integrates at least one of the following: middleware that filters the data stream associated with the RFID component; RFID software that provides RFID component software functionality; and a smart component that connects to the RFID component.
 2. The system of claim 1, the RFID component is at least one of an RFID reader, an RFID writer, and an RFID reader/writer.
 3. The system of claim 1, the RFID tag is at least one of an active RFID tag and, a passive RFID tag.
 4. The system of claim 1, the controller contains at least one of a software component and a hardware component that has at least one of an input and an output utilized with automating at least one of an industrial manufacturing device and a process.
 5. The system of claim 1, the middleware further comprises a filter master that implements common filtering software that can be employed by a plurality of disparate RFID components.
 6. The system of claim 1, the middleware further comprising a configure component that configures at least one RFID component.
 7. The system of claim 6, the configuration includes at least one of programming the RFID component and providing a human machine interface (HMI).
 8. The system of claim 1, the middleware utilizes at least one of an Ethernet port, an open socket related to Ethernet, and a serial port to interface to the RFID component.
 9. The system of claim 1, the middleware orchestrates sharing information associated with disparate RFID components for data filtering.
 10. The system of claim 1, the middleware further comprising a data flow manager that regulates data sent from the RFID component.
 11. The system of claim 1, the middleware further comprises controller software that interacts with the middleware to enhance the filtering of data streams.
 12. The system of claim 11, the enhancement is the optimization of at least one of turning on the RFID component and turning off the RFID component.
 13. The system of claim 11, the enhancement further utilizes a sensor associated with the controller to determine a location of the RFID tag.
 14. The system of claim 1, the middleware further comprises a clock sync component that synchronizes a clock associated with at least one of the controller and the RFID component.
 15. The system of claim 1, the RFID software further comprises a demodulate component that demodulates the data stream received by the RFID component.
 16. The system of claim 1, the RFID software further comprises a decode component that decodes the data stream received by the RFID component.
 17. The system of claim 1, the RFID software performs conversion between an analog signal and binary information.
 18. The system of claim 1, the RFID software enables an aggregate control of a plurality of disparate RFID components via a single interface on the controller.
 19. The system of claim 1, the smart component connects to the RFID component through an existing interface.
 20. The system of claim 19, the interface is at least one of a serial port, an Ethernet port, and an open socket associated with the Ethernet port.
 21. The system of claim 1, the smart component is a micro programmable logic controller (PLC) that provides a common programming language for a plurality of disparate RFID components.
 22. The system of claim 1, the smart component is a controller that contains at least one of a software component and a hardware component that has at least one of an input and an output utilized with automating at least one of an industrial manufacturing device and a process.
 23. The system of claim 1, the smart component further comprises at least one of an additional output and additional input that is at least one of digital and analog.
 24. The system of claim 1, the smart component further comprises a location component that adds a location capability to the RFID component.
 25. The system of claim 24, the location capability is provided by a global positioning system (GPS).
 26. The system of claim 1, the smart component further comprises a network component that adds a network capability to the RFID component.
 27. The system of claim 26, the network capability is at least one of Ethernet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus/TCP, and ProfiNet.
 28. A computer readable medium having stored thereon the components of the system of claim
 1. 29. The system of claim 1, further comprising an intelligent component that employs a probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis to prognose or infer an action to be automatically performed.
 30. A controller that facilitates utilizing RFID, comprising at least one of: a middleware that filters a data stream associated with an RFID component; an RFID component software that provides at least one of a conversion of the data stream from an analog signal to binary data and binary data to an analog signal; and a smart device that connects to the RFID component to enhance such RFID component.
 31. A computer-implemented method that facilitates utilizing RFID, comprising: associating an RFID tag to at least one of an object and a portion of a plurality of objects; receiving a data stream related to at least one RFID tag; and utilizing a controller with integrated middleware to provide a common filtering of the data stream associated with a portion of disparate RFID components.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising at least one of configuring, human machine interfacing, programming, sharing data, regulating data, and utilizing a sensor to optimize control of the RFID component.
 33. The method of claim 31, further comprising: integrating RFID software into the controller; and utilizing the controller with RFID software to provide software fimctionality to at least one RFID component.
 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising at least one of demodulating data, decoding data, and converting data.
 35. The method of claim 31, further comprising: connecting a smart component to an existing RFID component; and utilizing the smart component with the existing RFID component to receive a data stream related to the RFID tag.
 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising at least one of providing an additional input, providing an additional output, providing additional network capability, and providing location capability.
 37. The method of claim 31, the RFID component is at least one of an RFID reader, an RFID writer, and an RFID reader/writer.
 38. The method of claim 31, the RFID tag is at least one of an active RFID tag and a passive RFID tag.
 39. The method of claim 31, the controller contains at least one of a software component and a hardware component that has at least one of an input and an output utilized with automating at least one of an industrial manufacturing device and a process.
 40. A data packet that communicates between at least two of an RFID tag, an RFID component, and a controller, the data packet facilitates the method of claim
 31. 41. A computer-implemented system that facilitates utilizing RFID, comprising: means for receiving a data stream from at least one RFID tag; and means for embedding at least one of the following into a controller: middleware that filters the data stream associated with the RFID tag; RFID software that provides RFID component software functionality; and a smart component that connects to the RFID component. 